Intrapsychic Conflicts Flashcards
an attempt to solve conflicts by painting a godlike picture of oneself.
idealized self-image
an interrelated yet equally irrational and powerful tendency to despise one’s real self.
Self-hatred
an extravagantly positive view of themselves that exists only in their personal belief
system.
idealized self-image
three aspects of the idealized image:
(1) the neurotic search for glory,
(2) neurotic claims, and
(3) neurotic pride.
As neurotics come to believe in the reality of their idealized self, they begin to incorporate it into all aspects of their lives—their goals, their self-concept, and their relations
with others
The Neurotic Search for Glory
Neurotics are not content to merely make a few alterations; they try to achieve perfection by erecting a complex set of “shoulds” and “should nots.” It is referred to this drive as
the tyranny of the should.
need for perfection
the compulsive drive toward superiority. Although neurotics have an exaggerated
need to excel in everything, they ordinarily channel their energies into those activities
that are most likely to bring success.
neurotic ambition
It may be disguised as a drive for achievement or success, but “its chief aim is to put others to
shame or defeat them through one’s very success; or to attain the power . . . to inflict
suffering on them—mostly of a humiliating kind”. The most destructive element of all.
drive toward a vindictive
triumph
Believing that something is wrong with the outside world, they proclaim that they are special and therefore entitled to be treated in accordance with their idealized view of
themselves.
neurotic claims
a false pride based not on a realistic view of the true self but on a spurious image of the idealized self
neurotic pride
People with a neurotic search for glory can never be happy with themselves because
when they realize that their real self does not match the insatiable demands of their
idealized self, they will begin to hate and despise themselves:
Self-Hatred
